If you love spending time in your backyard pool, it may surprise you that your everyday skin routine may not be sufficient to fulfill your skin’s needs. Normal skin products may not be compatible with the products you need before and after a swim. Here are some skin care tips to keep in mind if you use a swimming pool regularly.

Pre-swim preparation

· Exfoliate your hair

Chlorine in the pool water can leave your hair dry and weak. Hair has sponge-like properties, so it absorbs moisture. To minimize chlorine absorption, wash your hair before a swim. Apply an oil-based, leave-in conditioner so that your hair cuticles are exfoliated.

· Skin treatment

Your skin is a protective barrier, and it needs supplements to perform at its best. The best thing you can do before a swim is to keep yourself hydrated. This ensures your skin is in optimal condition and reduces the risks of damage and infection.

Apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) 15 minutes before swimming. Thoroughly apply it to all areas that will be exposed to the sun. Avoid the use of specialized pre-swim options because some of them

contain chemicals that can react adversely with chlorine and produce carcinogenic byproducts. A pre-swim lotion will also likely reduce the effectiveness of your SPF.

Post-swim treatment

· Take a shower

After a swim, you need to wash off the chlorine from your body and your swimsuit. It is preferable to use chlorine removal products for skin and hair. However, a normal shower with your usual shampoo and soap does the job too. You can add vitamin C crystals to your bathing accessories to make that DIY post-swim shampoo. After a shower, moisturize your skin with a lotion containing ceramides and alpha hydroxyl acid to keep your skin hydrated. Dry clean your ear to avoid the risks of getting a swimmer’s ear. It is not recommended to use cotton swabs as they can push in your earwax. To avoid a swimmer’s itch, gently dab your skin with a towel immediately after a swim.

· Wash your  Bathing suit

The easiest way to clean your bathing suit is by washing it off with normal detergent and letting it air dry. However, if your suit still smells of chlorine, you can add chlorine removal products to a bucket of water and rinse your suit in it. Alternate methods are the use of sodium ascorbate or even baking soda.

If the pool in your outdoor living space in Leesburg needs an upgrade, you can talk to our experienced team of swimming pool designers. Our well-renowned pool contractors can add a beautiful water feature or a pool bar to create a tenfold increase in your pool’s attraction. You can check out the gallery of our latest pool designs. Contact us now for a quick chat with our pool builder or landscape architect.